The EFSIS inspection service protocol for catering establishments (EFSIS Catering Protocol) describes the procedures and processes associated with inspections against the EFSIS standard for catering establishments (EFSIS Catering Standard).

Development of the EFSIS Catering Protocol involved extensive research and consultation with appropriate documents and bodies associated with the catering industry. The service encompasses all catering establishments throughout the United Kingdom and worldwide.

Members of the Catering Inspection Team are assigned to specific catering establishments on the basis of their practical experience of kitchen/food preparation practices and auditing skills.

To ensure consistency of approach in an inspection all inspectors hold the following qualifications:

• degree/HNC in food, food safety or bioscience or a related discipline
• successful completion of training in audit principles and skills
• successful completion of training in HACCP based on Codex Alimentarius, in relation to the catering sector
• minimum two years’ experience in the catering industry.